This place was listed among Tucson's unique attractions, and it was a relatively short drive so we added it to our itinerary. The site is less than 15 minutes south of downtown via a couple of interstates. Once you exit it is probably only a mile or so. The mission complex is located on a tribal reservation. You turn off the paved road to a large field of dirt and gravel in front of the mission. The center part of this is given over to semi-shaded stalls for vendors - food like fry bread, etc. Parking is along the sides. When we visited, the facade was partly covered with construction scaffolding, but this was wrapped with tarps that reflected the building beneath it. So you could still get a good idea of how it would look uncovered. Inside, there is the main church on the left (as you face it). This is actively used, so be quiet / respectful. Passing through there (or entering separately on the right) there are several smaller connected rooms that have displays about the history of the building and the local area. In back is a courtyard with a fountain. I'm not sure the public has access to this, but you can view it from a shaded arcade. If you like historic buildings or old missions in particular, this is an easy stop within the Tucson area. And the fry bread we got as we left the parking lot was good too! read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Facade of the mission - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Definitely come by to see this historic location. We came early but some Food venders were setting up, kinda sad we missed that! The front part of the building is under construction currently but you can still view inside. If you arrive early before they open doors, go around the right side, there is a gift shop that opens early as well. There are also bathrooms on the left side. read more

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What an amazing mission! I had no idea Arizona had such a beautiful and historic mission. It was really such a beautiful place to see. There's gorgeous art and rich history all through the grounds. I learned so much from being here. The pictures do NOT do it justice. You must go see it for yourself! read more

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A truly spiritual and beautiful mission just 5 minutes south of Tucson. Quite a crowd today, but always a beautiful experience. Open for visits if mass isn't being performed. Lovely buildings, grounds and gift shop that helps support restoration efforts. A Do Not Miss stop for visitors and locals alike. read more

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While visiting a dear friend in Tucson, I wanted to see the San Xavier Del Bac Mission, and what a beauty it was to behold! I have been to many beautiful churches throughout the US, and yes, there are some gorgeous ones out there. But this one felt sacred. Timeless. Breathtaking. It was built in the 1700s, and you felt it's haunting and peaceful past with each step you took in this beautiful mission. People were in pews praying, some were weeping, and all of us, no matter why you were there felt the presence of something more. This visit will stay with me forever. I walked into the mission as one person, and walked out of it understanding what love and peace can really feel like. Yes, it was that kind of experience for me. read more

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Visited the mission the day after Christmas. The last time we saw it was 6 yrs ago and it's as beautiful as it was before in spite of the scaffolding and restoration work. Short drive from downtown Tucson. A must see! read more

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The Most Beautiful Spanish Colonial Architecture in Tucson, Arizona. Serving as a place of fellowship and community. It was built in 1797 on tribal land in the Tohono O'odham Nation, designated as a National Historic Landmark. What breathtaking views and extraordinary craftsmanship skills. This was my first experience and I felt like I still needed more time. So much to cover. I also took the short hike up Grotto Hill and roamed the grounds to check out the food vendors. read more

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Very beautiful and well-kept mission. I'm always amazed by the different styles of catholic missions, and how beautiful they are. You could tell this mission has a lot of Spanish/Native American/Mexican influence and gorgeous. read more

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Such a beautiful place with so much history and detail in every space. So stunning and worth visiting. read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

What an incredibly gorgeous mission! I can definitely recommend stopping by for a visit even if you are not religious. It is a beautiful place in Arizona's history and weaves together Indigenous influence and 17th century Catholicism. The church is stunning and has beautiful ornate carvings, paintings and cathedral ceilings. Please consider donating as it is free to visit. This Mission is sprawling and includes separate buildings you can enter other than the main body of the church. There is a gift shop, bathrooms, and a museum. Parking is plentiful on the gravel driveway and you will find food vendors right outside cooking up fried bread and other local delicacies. My sister and I took our families here and we enjoyed walking the grounds and hiking up the nearby hill which has a cross atop it. We wondered if that hill was manmade or natural. As we rounded the top, we found Jesus chillin'. If you are in Tucson for a short visit, this place is within 30 minutes to the closest airport (TUS). read more

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The mission is beautiful just to begin with. When you enter it's a really amazing place to walk around and enjoy all the beautiful artwork from the walls to the ceiling. Myself and kids find peace when visiting and lighting candles for prayer. They do also have tours that run during the day and a lovely gift shop. It's always a place I recommend visiting when coming from out of town. Parking is also very spacious which is a plus. read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We went on a Sunday, we've heard it's the best day to walk around with all the vendors there. We had a super nice visit and saw a lot of really nice crafts for sale. We did walk through the chapel quickly in-between services. What a beautiful place. Excited to go back for a full tour. read more

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A very beautiful place to visit in Tucson! If you are really into history and you want to experience what it was like when this area was still a Spanish colony, definitely put this on a list of must visits. They have done such a fantastic job preserving the architecture and history of the place. Every statue and fresco has been beautifully restored. It is also still an active Roman Catholic Church, so you definitely feel the intimacy and religious weight of the building and the area. Coming here, you really see how history and religion has intertwined to impact the region. Be sure to visit :) read more

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Heaven for history lovers. Father Kino was a remarkable man, beloved by the people he helped and served. Heaven for anyone looking for some peace and quiet in a spiritual environment. Be sure to take the tour, it's not long but is packed with fascinating information. It's very much worth the voluntary donation. read more

Nice spot to stop by when you're in Tucson. Plenty of parking. The church grounds is not that big. Unique architecture inside. They have a small gift store. You'll see road runner symbols every where. It's their desert bird but we didn't see any in person. Be sure to stop by the plaza at the opposite end of the church. Restrooms can be found at the church or plaza. Everything is free. Be sure to donate. There's also a docent tour. Check the church hours before you come in case it's during mass. read more

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This is a must-visit place in Tucson area (on a nice and sunny day). From the distance, you can see the Mission building, which stands brilliantly white among the sea of beige desert landscape. It's a visually striking building up close, but even better in pictures against a clear blue sky and bright Tucson sun. We went pretty early on in the day but missed the docent tour by a hair and could not wait for the next batch. However, everyone there was very friendly and between all the signs and their additional explanation, you could get a good tour of the whole Mission building. There's a good mixture of the religious/spiritual significance of the building, the complex history of the native people and the European Catholic priests, the archeological richness of the site, and the scientific charms of the original and restorative processes of the building sprinkled throughout the area. There's even a little hill to climb if you wanted a bit more physical element! All this experience is free. There are some donation bins located throughout the site, and the Mission sells candles and has a gift shop that sells little souvenirs, but never do they push you to donate or buy. You could spend an hour just exploring this little Mission building. I'm so glad we detoured here on a lovely sunny day. read more

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Pictures just don't do it justice. To know this place has been around for hundreds of years of years and is still participating in Mass is awesome. Only bummer is they are doing some restoration work on the outside so getting a full picture is hard. Inside however is so beautiful. The murals and carved work is phenomenal. Please be respectful if people are in prayer etc. pictures are not allowed during mass and such. Walking on the grounds is a site and if you walk up the hill the views are great. There are bathrooms on site as well as a small gift shop. It's a definite must stop if visiting or driving through Tucson. If these walls could talk. If you love history you'll love it here. read more

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We visited during the renovation and the beautiful facade was covered by scaffolding. We cannot criticize the timing or the lack of view because we came when were were able, not specifically to see the mission. We traveled on a weekday and so there wasn't much of a crowd. There was no guide available and so the walk lacked any story or context, just old beauty in an ancient space that felt like a restored ruin open for us to explore. The church was closed to the public for a service and so we were left to explore the grounds, including the museum and gift shop. We were not welcomed or even approached by people working there. We felt as though we were a necessary inconvenience, even after attempting our own friendly greeting. The staff was content with their own private conversations. When the church opened up, morning tourists quickly filled the chamber, making a proper inspection and experience impossible. It felt more like a Walmart than a house of worship. Again, this is not the fault of the mission, but the experience of modern tourists like myself crowding the old, historic chamber without guidance or context just made it feel like we were intruding on a space for no good reason. While the service was underway and I took a walk through the museum, I could hear the chanting through a sealed wooden door. The harmonies and melody were haunting, like an energy through the closed portal reaching toward me. In retrospect, I wish I had been welcome to the ceremony and had a chance to sit and pray with those inside rather than wait around outside. I would have felt more connected to the history and purpose of the mission in a way the Gift Shop cannot. It took us longer to make the drive there and back than we spent here because we did not feel connected to the spirit of the place nor had any way to really experience the history outside of the exhibits in the small museum. read more

This church is an active Roman Catholic Church. Mass is held daily. Please bring something conservative to repect the church to put on before you enter. We are in the Southwest and its typically warmer but cleavge and cheeks are for the pool. This is a historic tourist location. Do not photograph those who are in weddings, baptisms or funerals. It's a cultural reasons and we must respect the Tohno O'Odam Reservation parishioners. There are often fry bread vendors on the weekends who sell red chili , cinnamon sugar fry breads in their ocotillo stands. Take your time there is a charming museum. Stay hydrated and help keep the establishment clean and beautiful. The mission is undergoing restorations, please be prepared for that as well. read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Wow, this mission is BEAU-TEE-FUL! Some major renovations were just completed to the exterior, and it is the most elaborate and unique mission I've ever seen. Free admission. They have a small museum and offer some guided tours as well. A small gift shop is located in the main building and there's a fry bread place across the way. read more

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Beautiful very pretty As a Native American it's sometimes had to go to these kinda places with the history I was traveling through and stopped to see the beautiful places It's stunning against the blue sky big white building There were lots of vendors unfortunately I had no cash so couldn't try anything it all smelled amazing We got there at the time church was in process so couldn't really look inside to see much But throughout it was very nice clean there doing some work on the outside definitely gets crowded I'm glad I made the stop read more

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My wife and I are history fanatics and enjoy every kind of historical, geographic, ethnic and cultural opportunity to learn and appreciate from it... and La Misión San José de Tumacácori is a perfect example of it. The San Cayetano del Tumacácori, originally started by Jesuits on or about 1691 near the beautiful area of the Santa Cruz River in Arizona! Today it still stands, after various iterations, restorations, and maintenance is a gorgeous Spanish Colonial Church. After stopping into the small but very illustrative Visitor Center one takes a brief walk over to the Church which is best to walk the surrounding gorgeous Courtyard enjoying its implied tranquility. The Mission grounds surrounding the Church offer a spectacle of history with its open spaces, work fields, restored cemetery, orchards and mortuary. The craftsmanship of the restorers has bee simply magnificent. Once inside you find yourself back in time. Between the hard surfaces, the cramped and confining feel, the rustic appearance, the lack of running water and the indentations for wall altars and its hollow niches - it is amazing. The Misión's interior is a wide yet extremely long dark stone arched tall hallway. You immediately feel the grandeur of its time, sensing the prayers secreted and many souls that made their way through the hallowed remnants, yet you'll feel the peace and tranquility in the surrounds. As one ponders the history of the southwest with its indigenous origins, geographic variances, the majesty of space to where we are today, La Misión San José de Tumacácori is a fascinating, intriguing, educational as well inspiring experience. This is a must stop as you mosey down Highway I-19 approaching Tubac. read more

San Xavier makes for a fine hour or so detour from whatever else you had planned for the day. - The inside is full of interesting religious decorations. - The building itself is maybe less interesting in that it seems much like every other mission in the southwest. - Great cactus gardens. - Take a walk up Grotto Hill. There's not much to see on the hill itself but it's a nice walk. All in all, OK. I admit my rating is negatively influenced by the history of Spanish missionaries. Not a group of people I like to celebrate. read more

Mission San Xavier del Bac 6-3-2023 I had looked the mission up for a stop on our way through Tucson. The website said it would be closed Saturdays and Sundays. I thought we could at least look at the outside. I was thrilled when it was open on Saturday and we were able to tour the inside and the grounds of the mission! This beautiful mission was founded in 1692, though construction of the current church started in 1783, a full 91 years later! After 14 years of work the building stopped due to a lack of funds. It is located in the San Xavier District of the Tonoho O'odham Nation. It's often called the "Sistine Chapel of North America". The adobe church, representing a wonderful example of Spanish colonial architecture, is beautiful inside and out, with colorful frescoes, sculptures and carvings. Such a peaceful treasure right off of the highway. Plenty of free parking. Entry is free and photography is not permitted during services. There is some exterior renovation at the moment but is still worth a look if you are in the area. There are also free and clean bathrooms and a small gift shop. read more

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The San Xavier Del Bac Mission is probably the nicest old Spanish style mission I've visited since visiting San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. It's located a bit south of Tucson, but can be reached easily from the downtown core within about 15-20 minutes, or 45 minutes from northern parts of Tucson. The mission doesn't cost anything to visit, but there is a gift shop off to the side as well as a lot set up with Native American vendors, should you wish to purchase anything. Although I didn't partake in it, there are docent-led tours of the mission to give you a more historical background of the site. The place is popular and gets quite a few visitors, but never seemed too busy. It was very peaceful roaming around the grounds and exploring. I highly recommend putting the San Xavier Del Bac on the list of places to visit while in Tucson. read more

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We came here while having a stay-cation in nearby Tucson and it was a perfect sunny day for slight seeing. The grounds and church are beautifully well maintained and recently had a face lift. The mission was founded in 1692 by Padre Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit and named for Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Society of Jesus. It is located on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. The current San Xavier del bac Mission was built over two hundred years ago by Franciscans. Fr Kino thought it was an ideal site for a mission, due to it's proximity to the large ranches along the Santa Cruz River. The most impressive part is the Mission itself. It has lots of Icons and many impressive statues. Many Christians come here to pray and ask for forgiveness, or indulgences for their departed loved ones. There are no formal tours per se, but the grounds and Mission Church has signage posted throughout. Candles can be lit for a small honorarium. And yes, there is a Gift Shop. read more

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This a great stop if you're in Tucson. It won't take you more than 30 min to explore. The church is beautiful. We were able to go into the church to look around. Men are asked to take their hat off. The gift shot attached to the church has some cute items. Outside of the church, you can buy fried bread. It's cash only. Don't get the plain. Get the cheese or bean and cheese. We saw a roadrunner while there. The couple selling the fried bread said the roadrunner likes to hang out there. We did have a dog with us and were allowed in the church and gift shop with her. read more

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Such a beautiful old church. Well worth visiting while in Tucson. The spiritual feeling is one of serenity. The interior is a historical treasure and it's very cool the community's efforts to preserve the exterior in an accurate way to the original building. read more

Definitely a place everyone nearby or on a trip to Tucson should see. It is stunning and historical. You do not need to be religious to go here. It is so peaceful and beautiful. The grounds are just so lovey and the mission is a joy to experience. Years back i took my bestie here. She lives back east. We went all over the state to all the AZ major grandeurs and glories. She remembers this place best and still talks about it decades later. That says a lot, doesn't it? There are tons of photos online that one can image but nothing like seeing it in person. Detour your road trip and have a visit. read more

The Priest and his message was poignant . Who did God Send ? He sent us . The beginning and the middle and the end we rely on Jesus but in the middle sometimes he has to carry us through our burdens . Forgive 7 times 70 not for the evil done to you but so you can heal from the trauma . Beautiful Church 1/2 Mile hike ( not the churches property adjacent ) up a dirt hill . Nice clean walkways and neighborhood children riding bikes clean bathrooms . Music was heavenly Saturday 5 PM Mass was great go and you will be blessed . 10 people close to me died in last 3 years . Prayer cards $2 in gift shop . read more

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Beautiful, great place to visit and go to mass. The grounds and architecture is amazing.

We took a weekend trip to @cityoftucson Arizona and our first stop was the Mission. Being California natives, we enjoy the history and architecture and try to visit most missions throughout the west. What a stunning impression this mission makes while driving south on the highway. Its stark white plaster is juxtaposed against the red rock and blue sky. Definitely a trip worth making and it is also free to enter the grounds. The plaque in the inner courtyard states: "Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded by Father Eusebio Kino as a Catholic mission in 1692. This Baroque architecture style building is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. Construction began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. The "White Dove" has served the religious needs of its parishioners for over 300 years." -Glydie Ann Nelson, State President National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century NOVEMBER 15, 2012 The heat can be quite intense during these summer months. There are restrooms available and the gift shop is air conditioned. All around a five-star experience. read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Missions grounds - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Disappointed today because no vendors were outside - fry bread and jewery. Mission always worth a short visit. Refresh seams to be taking a long time, have been watching since 2019. read more

Lovely day trip with some out of town friends. Plan on an hour to tour at most and adventure around the area , plan on some stops on the way to fill in the day read more

I will be honest, my friends and I arrived late to visit inside. It closes 5 pm , but I knew they restored the CB mission and it is must go visit. I will back to see. Tell me in front of the place isn't incredible beautiful? One the first missions in the USA. It is worth the visit. read more

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We stopped at this historical monument while vacationing in AZ. Free parking can be found in the parking lot. Several food vendors are also set up in the parking lot selling savory meals. Entrance is free. Masks are required; zero exceptions. We didn't have masks so were forced to purchase one for $1 each at the church before entering. Outdoor viewing is impressive and indoor viewing is gorgeous. Everything is well maintained and clean. There are several donation stands throughout the grounds to place money in to help with the church's upkeep. Bathroom facilities are large so that one doesn't need to wait in line. Be sure to check out the gift shop before leaving. Discover is an accepted form of payment. Our visit took about an hour with three of us. Thank you San Xavier for the peaceful and humbling visit. read more

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The historic church building is so beautiful. It sits stark white against the deep blue of the skies. While the museum is still closed, the chapel, mausoleum, and gift shop are open. You can spend as long as you want here. There were quite a few people sitting the pews sitting rapt at the beautiful inside. I didn't feel comfortable taking photos inside, although you are certainly welcome to. Note that this church still holds services and so you're not allowed in while they're being held, although you can still explore the outside and the grounds. The gift shop sells candles if you want to light one at the church. There's bathrooms available, and a large dirt parking lot for you to park in. read more

If you are a fan of religious or Spanish style architecture, religious art, or enjoy visiting missions this is a unique spot on The Rez. There is currently a lot of construction/renovation going on with the exterior so it wasn't as picturesque but it was still an interesting little peek into one of the oldest historical buildings in Arizona. There were two people, either staff or volunteers, standing right outside the entrance available to answer questions and to make sure proper Covid protocol was being followed. Masks are required to enter. Most of the mission was roped off but I was still able to see all the religious art OK. Parking is readily available on the large dirt lot in front of the mission. There is a gift shop and restaurant but it was closed when we were here because it was a holiday (Thanksgiving). read more

San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Renovation in progress (11-2021) - Churches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Historic old mission and church about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson. They refer to it at the white dove of the desert. Definitely worth a trip to explore if you are nearby or if you are into old missions. There is plenty of history. The grounds are not huge at all, and you can quickly walk thru everything in under 30 minutes including the church, the candle area, the gift shop, etc. This was my 2nd time going, and this time there was hardly anyone when I arrived, only 2 other cars, so there was plenty of parking. The last time it was more crowded but still parking available. The mission is under construction and the sign said closed, but it was actually open. The church is nice but much of it is blocked off so you can't get up close to the paintings, etc. There is grotto hill right next door, which is not part of the church property, and is closed to visitors. read more

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What a beautiful places, it is under restoration (much needed major repairs - scaffolding too) this is distracting but it is still majestic and awesome. It closes at 4pm, and is lit up at night, though we didn't see it in the evening. During holidays there are events, we'd like to come at Easter when there is a procession up the hill to the cross. This beautiful serene place needs repairs and is gladly accepting donations if you feel so inclined. It is a treasure and a lovely remembrance of old Tucson and it's roots. read more

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